Computer program for terminal device, terminal device, and control method for terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique for facilitating setting a time when automatic update processing for automatically updating a device program is to be executed.SOLUTION: A terminal device comprises: a display; a communication interface; a first display control section which causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a time setting value indicating a time when a communicable device is to execute an automatic update function via the communication interface, in the first display control section, the input screen being a screen generated by a computer program, and the automatic update function being a function for automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the time setting value; and a transmission section which transmits a value input to the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input to the first input field being used in the device as the time setting value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic update function that automatically updates the firmware of a communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-085781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technique for easily setting the time to execute an automatic update process for automatically updating a device program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal apparatus including a computer, a display, and a communication interface, and capable of communicating with a device via the communication interface. The computer program causes the computer to function as the following units: a first display control unit that causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating when the device should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function for automatically updating a device program stored in the device at the time indicated by the timing setting value; and a transmission unit that transmits the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input in the first input field being used by the device as the timing setting value.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the user can input the timing setting value on the terminal device, and the user can easily set the timing for executing the automatic update function by using the terminal device, which is easier to operate than the device itself.

[0007] The above-mentioned terminal device itself and the control method for the above-mentioned terminal device are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the home screen process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the update process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the automatic update setting process. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of each screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of each screen. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of each screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of each screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of each screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Configuration of communication system 2: Figure 1) The communication system 2 includes a terminal device 10, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 100, and a server 200. The terminal device 10 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop PC, a desktop PC, or the like. The MFP 100 is a multifunction device having multiple functions including a printing function and a scanning function. The terminal device 10 can communicate with the MFP 100 via a local area network (LAN) 4. The LAN 4 is a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The Internet 6 has a server 200 installed thereon.

[0010] The MFP 100 includes a print engine and a scanner engine. The print engine is a mechanism for printing images on paper and includes, for example, a print head. The print engine uses a printing method such as inkjet, electrophotography, or thermal. When the MFP 100 receives print data from the terminal device 10, it executes printing processing using the print engine. The scanner engine is a mechanism for reading images from documents and includes, for example, an image sensor. When the MFP 100 receives a scan request from the terminal device 10, it executes scanning processing using the scanner engine.

[0011] (Configuration of terminal device 10; Figure 1) The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display 14, a LAN interface 16, and a control unit 30. In the following, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I / F."

[0012] The operation unit 12 is a user interface for a user to input various information into the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (so-called operation objects), hardware keys such as a keyboard and a mouse, or both. The display 14 displays various information. The display 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and may or may not be a touch screen. The LAN I / F 16 is an I / F for performing communication via the LAN 4 and is connected to the LAN 4.

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM and a cache memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The nonvolatile memory stores an OS program 36 and apps 42. The OS program 36 is a program that controls the basic operations of the terminal device 10. The apps 42 are application programs for communicating with the MFP 100. The apps 42 are downloaded to the terminal device 10 from, for example, a server (not shown) on the Internet. The apps 42 are provided, for example, by the vendor of the MFP 100. The programs 36 and 42 stored in the nonvolatile memory are loaded into the volatile memory, and the programs 36 and 42 are executed by the CPU 32, thereby realizing various processes.

[0014] (MFP100 configuration; Figure 1) The MFP 100 stores firmware 102, an automatic update setting value 104, and a password 106. The firmware 102 is a program for controlling the MFP 100. The firmware 102 is updated as needed. The latest firmware 102 is uploaded to the server 200 by the vendor of the MFP 100.

[0015] The automatic update setting values ​​104 include various setting values ​​related to the automatic update function that allows the MFP 100 to automatically update the firmware 102. The automatic update setting values ​​104 include an activation setting value and a timing setting value. The activation setting value indicates either "ON," which indicates that the automatic update function is activated, or "OFF," which indicates that the automatic update function is deactivated. The timing setting value indicates the update timing for the latest firmware 102. The update timing includes a time and an interval. The time is, for example, 12:00 AM, and the interval is, for example, daily, weekly, or monthly. With the automatic update function, the MFP 100 queries the server 200 at an interval determined by the timing setting value to determine whether the latest firmware 102 is available. If the latest firmware 102 is available, the MFP 100 downloads the latest firmware 102 from the server 200 and updates the firmware 102 in the memory 34. That is, with the automatic update function, the MFP 100 can update the firmware 102 in the memory 34 without receiving an instruction from another device (for example, the terminal device 10) or a user operation on the operation unit 12.

[0016] The password 106 is a password for authenticating a user of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 has a server function that supplies screen data for changing various settings of the MFP 100 to an external terminal device. The server function is, for example, an embedded web server (EWS). The password 106 is used, for example, to log in to this server function.

[0017] (Home screen processing; Figure 2, Figure 5, Figure 7) 2, a description will be given of home screen processing that the CPU 32 executes in accordance with the application 42. The processing in FIG. 2 is triggered by the start of the application 42.

[0018] In S10, the CPU 32 displays a home screen SC1 on the display 14. The home screen SC1 includes a device icon A1, a print icon A2, and a scan icon A3. The device icon A1 is an object indicating a device (hereinafter referred to as a "target device") designated by the application 42 as a target for communicating print data and scan data. The device icon A1 displays the model name of the target device, "mfp1." Note that the device icon A1 may also display the IP address of the target device.

[0019] The application 42 receives information such as the model name and IP address from the device and uses the received information to accept the designation of the target device. In this case, the user designates the MFP 100 as the target device in the application 42, and the application 42 stores information indicating the MFP 100, such as the model name, serial number, and IP address. The application 42 can store information about multiple devices, and the user can change the target device from the MFP 100 to another MFP by selecting the device icon A1.

[0020] The print icon A2 is an object for instructing the execution of a print process. When the print icon A2 is selected, the terminal device 10 displays a data selection screen for selecting image data to be printed, and a preview screen including a preview image and a print execution button. When the print execution button is selected, the terminal device 10 transmits print data corresponding to the selected image data and a print instruction to the target device.

[0021] The scan icon A3 is an object that instructs the execution of a scan process. When the scan icon A3 is selected, the terminal device 10 displays a screen including an input field for scan settings and a scan execution button. When the scan execution button is selected, the terminal device 10 transmits a scan request to the target device, requesting the transmission of scan data.

[0022] In S12, CPU 32 starts monitoring the target device. Specifically, CPU 32 starts repeatedly receiving device information related to the target device from the target device. The device information includes the current version of firmware 102, the remaining amount of color material contained in the target device, and information indicating the current operating status of the target device (e.g., "busy"). Furthermore, if the target device is MFP 100, the device information includes the current value currently set as automatic update setting value 104. If automatic update setting value 104 has never been changed, the current value is the default value. On the other hand, if the target device is another MFP and the other MFP does not support the automatic update function, the device information does not include a value related to automatic update setting value 104. The device information received in S12 is stored in a predetermined storage area in memory 34.

[0023] In S14, the CPU 32 determines whether the version of the firmware 102 of the target device is the latest. Specifically, the CPU 32 transmits information such as the model name of the target device to the server 200 and inquires about the latest version of the firmware 102. The CPU 32 determines whether the current version of the firmware 102 received in S12 matches the latest version received from the server 200. If the current version matches the latest version, the CPU 32 determines that the version of the firmware 102 is the latest. If the CPU 32 determines that the version of the firmware 102 is the latest (YES in S14), it skips the processes from S16 onwards and returns to S10.

[0024] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the version of the firmware 102 is not the latest version because the current version is older than the latest version (NO in S14), the CPU 32 proceeds to S16.

[0025] In S16, the CPU 32 adds a predetermined notification mark A5 to the device icon A1 on the home screen SC1, as shown in Fig. 5. The user can see the notification mark A5 and know that the firmware 102 is not the latest version.

[0026] In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether the current enable setting value included in the device information received in S12 is "ON." If the CPU 32 determines that the current enable setting value is "ON" (YES in S20), it skips the processes from S22 onward and returns to S10.

[0027] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current enable setting value is “OFF” (NO in S20), the process proceeds to S22. In S22, the CPU 32 displays a banner screen A4 on the display 14, superimposed on the home screen SC1, as shown in FIG. 5. The banner screen A4 is a so-called pop-up notification, for example, called a toast. The banner screen A4 includes a message indicating that the latest firmware 102 is available. While an example of the message is shown in FIG. 5, other examples may include messages such as “The current firmware is not the latest” or “Do you want to update to the latest firmware?” The user can see the banner screen A4 and know that the firmware 102 is not the latest. In particular, the banner screen A4 is displayed when the current enable setting value is “OFF.” The banner screen A4 can notify the user of the existence of the automatic update function.

[0028] In the following S24, CPU 32 determines whether operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on banner screen A4. The operation is, for example, an operation of touching banner screen A4. When CPU 32 determines that operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on banner screen A4 (YES in S24), CPU 32 proceeds to S30. In S30, CPU 32 executes an update process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. When CPU 32 completes the process of S30, it returns to S10.

[0029] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the banner screen A4 has been closed (NO in S24), the process proceeds to S26. In S26, the CPU 32 determines whether the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the device icon A1. If the CPU 32 determines that the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the device icon A1 (YES in S26), the process proceeds to S40. Note that the banner screen A4 is displayed when the current activation setting value is "OFF," but the device icon A1 is displayed even if the current activation setting value is "ON." S40, S42, and S30 following S42 can be executed even if the current activation setting value is "ON."

[0030] In S40, the CPU 32 displays the device screen SC6 shown in FIG. 7 on the display 14. The device screen SC6 is a screen that displays information about the target device. The device screen SC6 includes a firmware icon A9 in addition to information such as the model name. The firmware icon A9 displays the current version of the firmware 102 of the target device. Furthermore, if the version of the firmware 102 of the target device is not the latest, a notification mark A5 is added to the firmware icon A9. By adding the notification mark A5 to the device screen SC6, the user can be notified on the device screen SC6 as well that the firmware 102 is not the latest.

[0031] In S42, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the firmware icon A9 to which the notification mark A5 has been added. If the CPU 32 determines that the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the firmware icon A9 to which the notification mark A5 has been added (YES in S42), the CPU 32 proceeds to S30.

[0032] In addition, if the CPU 32 determines that the operation unit 12 does not accept an operation on the device icon A1 (NO in S26), or if the operation unit 12 determines that the device screen SC6 has been closed without accepting an operation on the firmware icon A9 (NO in S42), the CPU 32 returns to S10.

[0033] (Update process; Figure 3, Figure 5) In S50, the CPU 32 determines whether the target device supports the automatic update function. For example, there is a database that stores support information indicating whether the target device supports the automatic update function in association with the model name of the device. The CPU 32 determines whether the target device supports the automatic update function based on the support information stored in association with the model name of the target device in the database. The database may be stored in the app 42 or a server on the Internet 6. In another example, the CPU 32 may receive support information from the target device and determine whether the target device supports the automatic update function based on the support information received from the target device. The support information may be included in the device information received in S12 of FIG. 2, for example. If the CPU 32 determines that the target device supports the automatic update function (YES in S50), the process proceeds to S52.

[0034] In S52, the CPU 32 displays the process selection screen SC2 of FIG. 5 on the display 14 for selecting a process related to updating the firmware 102. The process selection screen SC2 includes a first object A6, a second object A7, and a link to a support page. The first object A6 is an object for instructing an update using the automatic update function (hereinafter referred to as "automatic update"). Here, the term "object" is a concept that includes a button, an icon, a banner, etc. For example, the object A6 is not limited to a banner as shown in FIG. 5, but may also be a button or an icon. The second object A7 is an object for instructing an update without using the automatic update function (hereinafter referred to as "update now"). The link to the support page includes a URL of a support page that describes an update method using the automatic update function and an update method without using the automatic update function. When the link to the support page is selected, the CPU 32 launches a web browser and supplies the URL in the link to the web browser. As a result, the support page is displayed on the display 14. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may use the browser function in the application 42 to display the support page on the display 14.

[0035] In S54, the CPU 32 determines whether the operation unit 12 has received an operation to select the first object A6. If the CPU 32 determines that the first object A6 has been selected (YES in S54), the process proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 32 executes the automatic update setting process of FIG. 4, which will be described later. When S56 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0036] If the CPU 32 determines that the first object A6 has not been selected (NO in S54), the CPU 32 proceeds to S58. In S58, the CPU 32 determines whether the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation to select the second object A7. If the CPU 32 determines that the second object A7 has been selected (YES in S58), the CPU 32 proceeds to S60.

[0037] In S60, the CPU 32 displays the authentication screen SC3 of FIG. 5. The authentication screen SC3 includes an input field for inputting a password and an instruction button A8 for instructing the execution of authentication. When the operation unit 12 accepts an operation on the instruction button A8, the CPU 32 transmits the password input in the input field to the target device. The target device compares the password transmitted from the terminal device 10 with the password 106 stored in the memory 34. If the password transmitted from the terminal device 10 matches the password 106 stored in the memory 34, the target device transmits a notification of authentication success to the terminal device 10. On the other hand, if the password transmitted from the terminal device 10 does not match the password 106 stored in the memory 34, the target device transmits a notification of authentication failure to the terminal device 10.

[0038] In S62, the CPU 32 determines whether authentication of the password entered in the input field on the authentication screen SC3 has been successful. If the CPU 32 determines that authentication has failed because it has received a notification of authentication failure from the target device (NO in S62), it returns to S60. If the authentication has failed, a message indicating that authentication has failed or a message prompting the user to re-enter the password may be displayed on the authentication screen SC3. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that authentication has been successful because it has received a notification of authentication success from the target device (YES in S62), it proceeds to S64. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the processes of S64 and S66, described below, from being executed by a third party who is not authorized to use the target device.

[0039] In S64, the CPU 32 downloads (i.e., receives) the latest firmware 102 from the server 200. In S66, the CPU 32 transmits update instruction information to the target device, instructing the target device to update the firmware 102 in the target device. The update instruction information includes the latest firmware 102 downloaded from the server 200. The target device updates the firmware 102 in the target device in accordance with the update instruction information received from the terminal device 10. When S66 ends, the processing of FIG. 3 ends. For example, a comparative example can be considered in which the target device is made to download the firmware 102. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 downloads the firmware 102 on behalf of the target device, thereby reducing the processing load on the target device. Note that the above comparative example may be adopted in a modified example.

[0040] Furthermore, the CPU 32 repeatedly determines the conditions of S54 and S58 while neither the object A6 nor A7 in the process selection screen SC2 is selected and the process selection screen SC2 is not closed. For example, the CPU 32 closes the process selection screen SC2 in response to a predetermined operation from the user. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may close the process selection screen SC2 after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed. In this embodiment, when the process selection screen SC2 is closed, the CPU 32 proceeds to the NO flow in S58 and ends the processing of FIG. 3.

[0041] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the target device does not support the automatic update function (NO in S50), the process proceeds to S70. In S70, the CPU 32 causes the display 14 to display an update guide screen SC7 that guides the user to update the firmware 102. The update guide screen SC7 is similar to the process selection screen SC2, except that it does not include the first object A6. In other words, if the target device does not support the automatic update function, input of settings related to the automatic update is restricted. This makes it possible to prevent the user from performing unnecessary operations even if the target device does not support the automatic update function.

[0042] In S72, the CPU 32 determines whether the second object A7 in the update guide screen SC7 has been selected. If the CPU 32 determines that the second object A7 has been selected (YES in S72), the process proceeds to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that the second object A7 has not been selected and the update guide screen SC7 has been closed (NO in S72), the process of FIG. 3 ends.

[0043] (Automatic update setting process; Figure 4, Figure 6, Figure 9) In S100, the CPU 32 displays the authentication screen SC4 of Fig. 6 on the display 14. The authentication screen SC4 is similar to the authentication screen SC3 of Fig. 5 except that the processing executed after successful authentication is different. S102 is similar to S62 of Fig. 3. The above configuration can prevent the automatic update setting value 104 from being changed by a third party who is not authorized to use the MFP 100.

[0044] If the CPU 32 determines that the authentication is successful (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104. In S104, the CPU 32 generates the setting value input screen SC5 of FIG. 6 and displays the setting value input screen SC5 on the display 14. The setting value input screen SC5 includes an enable instruction input field B1, a time input field B2, an interval input field B3, and a send button B4. The enable instruction input field B1 includes a radio button for inputting either "ON" or "OFF" as the enable setting value in the automatic update setting value 104. The time input field B2 includes an input column for inputting a time as the period setting value in the automatic update setting value 104. The interval input field B3 includes two fields B31 and B32 for inputting an interval as the period setting value in the automatic update setting value 104. For example, if "weekly" is input in field B31, a day of the week can be input in field B32, and if "monthly" is input in field B31, a date can be input in field B32. The time input field B2 and interval input field B3 are, for example, fields for directly inputting text or fields for selecting values ​​from a list. Here, the list may be displayed in the field using, for example, a pull-down button, or may be a dynamic list called a drum roll or picker. The send button B4 is a button that instructs the values ​​entered in each field B1 to B3 to be sent to the target device.

[0045] The setting value input screen SC5 of Figure 6 shows a case where an activation setting value of "ON" is input into the activation instruction input field B1. In this case, input of values ​​into the time input field B2 and the interval input field B3 is permitted. On the other hand, the setting value input screen SC5 of Figure 9 shows a case where an activation setting value of "OFF" is input into the activation instruction input field B1. In this case, the time input field B2 and the interval input field B3 are displayed in gray, restricting input of values ​​into the time input field B2 and the interval input field B3. When the activation setting value is "OFF," unnecessary input of a time setting value can be prevented. In a modified example, when an activation setting value of "OFF" is input into the activation instruction input field B1, the setting value input screen SC5 does not have to include the time input field B2 and the interval input field B3.

[0046] Additionally, the time input field B2 and interval input field B3 reflect the current values ​​of the time setting values ​​received from the target device in S12 of FIG. 2 as initial values ​​(i.e., the current values ​​are displayed in advance in each field B2 and B3). By reflecting the current values, the user can be spared the trouble of inputting values. In a modified example, the time input field B2 and interval input field B3 do not necessarily need to reflect the current values ​​of the time setting values.

[0047] In S106, the CPU 32 determines whether the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the send button B4 in the setting value input screen SC5. If the CPU 32 determines that the operation unit 12 has accepted an operation on the send button B4 (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108. In S108, the CPU 32 transmits activation instruction information instructing the target device to activate the automatic update function. The activation instruction information is, for example, a command conforming to the Management Information Base (MIB). The activation instruction information includes the values ​​entered in each of the fields B1 to B3. The target device changes the automatic update setting value 104 in the memory 34 in accordance with the activation instruction information received from the terminal apparatus 10, and activates the automatic update function.

[0048] In S110, the CPU 32 determines whether the automatic update function has been successfully enabled in accordance with the enablement instruction information. If the CPU 32 determines that the automatic update function has been successfully enabled (YES in S110), it skips the process of S112, which will be described later, and ends the process of FIG.

[0049] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the activation of the automatic update function in accordance with the activation instruction information has failed (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S112. In S112, the CPU 32 displays a failure screen on the display 14, indicating that the activation of the automatic update function has failed. For example, the activation of the automatic update function fails if there is a communication failure between the terminal device 10 and the MFP 100, a communication failure between the MFP 100 and the server 200, or if the activation instruction information includes an unavailable value as the automatic update setting value 104. For example, if a communication failure occurs between the terminal device 10 and the MFP 100, a timeout occurs without receiving a response from the target device. In this case, the CPU 32 determines that the activation of the automatic update function has failed. For example, if a communication failure occurs between the MFP 100 and the server 200, the CPU 32 receives a response indicating the communication failure from the target device and determines that the activation of the automatic update function has failed. The user can see the failure screen and know that the activation of the automatic update function has failed. When S112 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing of Fig. 4. In a modified example, instead of the failure screen, a voice notification may be executed.

[0050] (Process to notify update results; Figure 8) As described above, the device information received in S12 of FIG. 2 is stored in a predetermined storage area within the memory 34. After the activation instruction information is transmitted to the target device in the automatic update setting process of FIG. 4, the CPU 32 again executes the process of S12 of FIG. 2. Then, if the version of the device information received from the target device after the activation instruction information is transmitted to the target device is newer than the version of the previous device information stored in the predetermined storage area, the CPU 32 displays a banner screen B5 on the display 14, superimposed on the home screen SC1. The banner screen B5 partially overlaps the device icon A1 but does not overlap the other icons A2 and A3. The user can operate the icons A2 and A3 while the banner screen B5 is displayed. The banner screen B5 includes a message indicating that the update of the firmware 102 has been completed. The user can know that the update of the firmware 102 has been completed by viewing the banner screen B5. In a modified example, an audio notification may be executed instead of the banner screen B5.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the user can select either transmission of activation instruction information (S106 in FIG. 4) or transmission of update instruction information (S66 in FIG. 3) on the process selection screen SC2 in FIG. 5 as a process related to updating the firmware 102. Taking into consideration that there are multiple methods for updating the firmware 102, it is possible to prompt the user to update the firmware 102.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the user can input a timing setting value for the automatic update function using the setting value input screen SC5 of Fig. 6 displayed on the terminal device 10. The user can easily set the update timing using the terminal device 10, which is easier to operate than the MFP 100.

[0053] The setting value input screen SC5 is displayed in response to either an operation on the banner screen A4 (YES in S24 of FIG. 2) or an operation on the device icon A1 to which the notification mark A5 has been added (YES in S26). The user can be prompted to input a timing setting value when updating to the latest firmware 102 is recommended.

[0054] Note that even if the firmware 102 is the latest version, the process selection screen SC2 may be displayed when the firmware icon A9 is selected. Furthermore, if the firmware 102 is the latest version, the process selection screen SC2 may not include the second object A7 (i.e., "Update Now").

[0055] (Correspondence) The terminal device 10, the display 14, and the LAN I / F 16 are examples of a "terminal device," a "display," and a "communication interface," respectively. The application 42 and the control unit 30 are examples of a "computer program" and a "computer," respectively. The MFP 100 and the firmware 102 are examples of a "device" and a "device program," respectively. The setting value input screen SC5 is an example of an "input screen." The time input field B2 and the interval input field B3 are examples of a "first input field." The enable instruction input field B1 is an example of a "second input field." The timing setting value in the automatic update setting value 104 and the activation setting value in the automatic update setting value 104 are examples of a "timing setting value" and a "specific setting value," respectively. "OFF" and "ON" are examples of a "first value" and a "second value," respectively. The authentication screen SC4 in FIG. 6 is an example of an "authentication screen." The failure screen of S112 in FIG. 4 is an example of a "first notification." The banner screen B5 in FIG. 8 is an example of a "second notification." The banner screen A4 and the notification mark A5 in FIG. 5 are examples of "notification objects."

[0056] S104 and S108 in FIG. 4 are examples of the processing executed by the "first display control unit" and the "transmission unit", respectively.

[0057] Although examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the examples shown above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0058] (Modification 1) The "device" is not limited to the MFP 100, but may be, for example, a printer, a scanner, or a fax machine.

[0059] (Modification 2) The "device program" is not limited to the firmware 102, but may be software at a higher layer than the firmware, or may be a combination of firmware and software at a higher layer.

[0060] (Variant 3) The setting value input screen SC5 of FIG. 6 does not have to include the valid instruction input field B1. In this variant, the "second input field" can be omitted. Furthermore, the setting value input screen SC5 may include either the time input field B2 or the interval input field B3, but not the other of the time input field B2 or the interval input field B3. In this variant, either the time input field B2 or the interval input field B3 is an example of the "first input field."

[0061] (Modification 4) The process of S100 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "authentication screen" can be omitted.

[0062] (Modification 5) The processes of S50, S70, and S72 in Fig. 3 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "specific information" can be omitted.

[0063] (Variation 6) The update guide screen SC7 in Fig. 3 may include a first object A6 that is displayed in gray out. Even if the first object A6 that is displayed in gray out is selected, the CPU 32 does not execute the automatic update setting process in Fig. 4, and input of the timing setting value is restricted.

[0064] (Variation 7) The process of S112 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this variation, the "first notification" can be omitted.

[0065] (Modification 8) The display of the banner screen B5 in Fig. 8 does not have to be executed. In this modification, the "second notification" can be omitted.

[0066] (Variation 9) The banner screen A4 and the notification mark A5 in Fig. 5 do not need to be displayed. In this variation, for example, when the operation unit 12 accepts an operation on a firmware icon A9 to which the notification mark A5 has not been added, the terminal device 10 may display the setting value input screen SC5. In this variation, the "notification object" can be omitted.

[0067] (Variation 10) The process of S20 in Fig. 4 does not have to be executed. In this variation, when the activation setting value is "ON", a setting value input screen SC5 may be displayed that does not include the activation instruction input field B1 but includes other fields B2 and B3.

[0068] 2 to 9 are realized by the CPU 32 executing the application 42. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0069] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0070] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device comprising a computer, a display, and a communication interface, the terminal device being capable of communicating with a device via the communication interface, the computer program comprising: The computer program controls the computer to operate as follows: a first display control unit that causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when the device should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function for automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; and a transmitting unit that transmits the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input in the first input field being used by the device as the timing setting value; A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) the input screen further includes a second input field in which either a first value or a second value can be input as a specific setting value to be set in the device; the first value indicates that the automatic update function is disabled; the second value indicates that the automatic update function is enabled; The first display control unit accepting input into the first input field when the second value is input into the second input field; restricting input into the first input field when the first value is input into the second input field; 2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits values ​​entered in the first input field and the second input field to the device. (Item 3) The computer program further causes the computer to: a second display control unit that causes the display to display an authentication screen for authenticating a user of the device; 3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first display control unit displays the input screen on the display when authentication of the user on the authentication screen is successful. (Item 4) The first display control unit accepting input into the first input field when specific information indicating that the automatic update function is executable is received from the device; 4. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, which restricts input to the first input field when the specific information is not received from the device. (Item 5) The computer program further causes the computer to: functioning as a first receiving unit that receives, from the device via the communication interface, a current value currently set in the device as the timing setting value; 5. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the current value is reflected as an initial value in the first input field. (Item 6) The computer program further causes the computer to: A computer program described in any one of items 1 to 5, which functions as a first output unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the setting has failed if the timing setting value entered on the input screen fails to be set on the device. (Item 7) The computer program further causes the computer to: a second receiving unit configured to repeatedly receive the version of the device program stored in the device from the device via the communication interface; a second output unit that outputs a second notification indicating that the automatic update function has been executed when the version received from the device after the time setting value has been sent to the device is newer than the version received from the device before the time setting value has been sent to the device; and 7. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, (Item 8) The computer program further causes the computer to: a third display control unit that displays a notification object related to the update of the device program on the display; 8. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first display control unit displays the input screen on the display in response to receiving an operation on the notification object. (Item 9) the device is capable of performing a printing function; 9. The computer program of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the device is designated in the computer program as a destination to which print data is to be sent. (Item 10) A terminal device, The display and Communication Interface and a first display control unit that causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when a device capable of communicating via the communication interface should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function of automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; and a transmitting unit that transmits the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input in the first input field being used by the device as the timing setting value; A terminal device comprising: (Item 11) A method for controlling a terminal device that includes a display and a communication interface and is capable of communicating with a device via the communication interface, comprising: a first display control step of displaying on the display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when the device should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function of automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; a transmitting step of transmitting the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, wherein the value input in the first input field is used by the device as the timing setting value; A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display, 16: LAN I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: OS program, 42: Application, 100: MFP, 102: Firmware, 104: Automatic update setting value, 106: Password, 200: Server, A1: Device icon, A2: Print icon, A3: Scan icon, A4: Banner screen, A5: Notification mark, A6: First object A7: Second update icon, A8: Instruction button, A9: Firmware icon, B1: Valid instruction input field, B2: Time input field, B3: Interval input field, B4: Send button, B5: Banner screen, SC1: Home screen, SC2: Process selection screen, SC3: Authentication screen, SC4: Authentication screen, SC5: Setting value input screen, SC6: Device screen, SC7: Update guide screen

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device comprising a computer, a display, and a communication interface, the terminal device being capable of communicating with a device via the communication interface, the computer program comprising: The computer program controls the computer to operate as follows: a first display control unit that causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when the device should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function for automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; and a transmitting unit that transmits the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input in the first input field being used by the device as the timing setting value; A computer program that functions as a

2. the input screen further includes a second input field in which either a first value or a second value can be input as a specific setting value to be set in the device; the first value indicates that the automatic update function is disabled; the second value indicates that the automatic update function is enabled; The first display control unit accepting input into the first input field when the second value is input into the second input field; restricting input into the first input field when the first value is input into the second input field; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits values ​​input into the first input field and the second input field to the device.

3. The computer program further causes the computer to: a second display control unit that causes the display to display an authentication screen for authenticating a user of the device; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first display control unit causes the display to display the input screen when the authentication of the user on the authentication screen is successful.

4. The first display control unit accepting input into the first input field when specific information indicating that the automatic update function is executable is received from the device; The computer program of claim 1 , further comprising: restricting input to the first input field when the specific information is not received from the device.

5. The computer program further causes the computer to: a first receiving unit that receives, via the communication interface, from the device as the timing setting value, a current value that is currently set in the device; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the first input field reflects the current value as an initial value.

6. The computer program further causes the computer to:

2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the computer program functions as a first output unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the setting has failed if the timing setting value entered on the input screen fails to be set on the device.

7. The computer program further causes the computer to: a second receiving unit configured to repeatedly receive the version of the device program stored in the device from the device via the communication interface; a second output unit that outputs a second notification indicating that the automatic update function has been executed when the version received from the device after the time setting value has been sent to the device is newer than the version received from the device before the time setting value has been sent to the device; and The computer program of claim 1 ,

8. The computer program further causes the computer to: a third display control unit that displays a notification object related to the update of the device program on the display; The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the first display control unit causes the display to display the input screen in response to receiving an operation on the notification object.

9. the device is capable of performing a printing function; The computer program according to claim 1 , wherein the device is designated in the computer program as a destination to which print data is to be sent.

10. A terminal device, The display and Communication Interface and a first display control unit that causes the display to display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when a device capable of communicating via the communication interface should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function of automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; and a transmitting unit that transmits the value input in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, the value input in the first input field being used by the device as the timing setting value; A terminal device comprising:

11. A method for controlling a terminal device that includes a display and a communication interface and is capable of communicating with a device via the communication interface, comprising: a first display control step of displaying on the display an input screen including a first input field for inputting a timing setting value indicating a time when the device should execute an automatic update function, the input screen being a screen generated by the computer program, and the automatic update function being a function of automatically updating a device program stored in the device at a time indicated by the timing setting value; a transmitting step of transmitting the value inputted in the first input field to the device via the communication interface, wherein the value inputted in the first input field is used by the device as the timing setting value; A control method comprising:

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